The Netherlands is a very well known country for its canals, windmills, bikes and flower fields. Some might know it also for the red light district or legal marijuana. It is a country of many faces and here is a breakdown of everything you need to know for your next trip.
Best time to visit
Spring: April to June is the best time if you want to see the beautiful flower fields. The weather is nice and warm, without too much rain or high temperatures. There are also celebrations and holidays, like Kings day. It’s a very unique experience.
Summer: Warm and long days are perfect for exploring the country, riding bikes or going on canal cruises. You can also attend some festivals or other celebrations.
Autumn and winter: These two seasons can be quite rainy. Although it’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid the high season and big crowds. In the winter you can visit Christmas markets or go ice skating. Good thing about the Netherlands is that it also offers many indoor activities.
How to get there
Airplane: There are two main airports in the Netherlands. Schiphol airport, the biggest in the country and one of the main airports of Europe. There are many international flights connecting the world. It has a great location as it is right next to Amsterdam.
Eindhoven airport is smaller and less crowded. It’s great for intra-European flights and it offers cheaper flights with major low fare air companies. Downside is that it’s located on the south-east of the country.
Buses and trains: If you are traveling from another European country, you can use buses or trains. There are many international buses connecting Europe. The Netherlands has a great train connection as well. You can travel almost anywhere by a train in or out of the country.
How to get around
Bikes: The Netherlands is the most bike friendly country in the world. You can get almost anywhere by bike as there are amazing cycling lanes everywhere. It’s a great way to explore the countryside or cities.
Public transport: The Netherlands offers a great connection of public transport. You can get around easily by trains or buses.
Car rental: If you want to go for a road trip or travel a lot between different cities, renting a car is another great option for you.
Top cities to visit
Amsterdam: A very obvious one, the capital city Amsterdam. It’s a very popular tourist destination. The charming canals, historical architecture and many activities are making Amsterdam a perfect place to visit. You can go to many different museums, visit nice cafes and restaurants or go for day trips to beautiful places with flower fields or unique culture and architecture.
Top activities in Amsterdam
Art galleries: You can find many art galleries from classical to modern art. Great options for classical art are Van Gogh museum or Rijksmuseum. For modern art visit Moco museum, NXT museum or STRAAT museum.
Museums: Amsterdam offers a wide variety of museums. You want some history, science or something crazy, you will find it here. For science and history visit NEMO, Anne Frank’s museum or Micropia. For some fun visit Madame Tussauds, WONDR experience, Sex museum or Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum.
Red light district and coffee shops: Obviously this is not for everyone. It’s a very unique experience tho. The Red light district is the sex district of Amsterdam where you can see (or even visit) some ladies in the windows, visit the museum of sex or go to sexshops. In Coffee shops you can see (or buy) many types and products of marijuana.
Cafes and restaurants: There are thousands of different places to eat or drink in Amsterdam. You can find many different cultural restaurants, national snack bars or really unique places. Do you have something specific in your mind? I bet you can find it there. Some top picks are Café Hill Street Blues, Skatecafé, REM Eiland, Pllek or van Wonderen Stroopwafels.
Visit the Bloemenmarkt: The Flower market in Amsterdam you definitely can’t miss. It’s a beautiful experience. On this street full of flower shops you can buy flower seeds, bulbs, stuff for gardening, souvenirs or fresh flowers.
Go for a canal cruise: I think it’s pretty obvious, you have to go for a canal cruise in the city of canals. There is a big variety of cruises, day or night, with food or drinks, you can find party cruises, anything you like.
Go thrift shopping: There are several thrift shops in Amsterdam. You can pick from basic shops to vintage shops, second hand brand shops with a variety of prices. For the best experience visit IJ-Hallen, a thrift market.
The Hague: If you are looking for the most famous beach in the Netherlands, you can find it in the Hague. Scheveningen beach offers many restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. There are also many activities like an aquarium, ferris wheel or bungee jumping. The Hague is the political center of the Netherlands. It offers a beautiful city center with canals and fountains, a lot of restaurants and shops and activities like Miniature park Madurodam.
Rotterdam: It’s a city famous for its modern architecture. Must see is the Cube houses or Erasmus bridge. Rotterdam is the opposite of other historical cities of the Netherlands. It also offers amazing cuisine. For the best experience visit Markthaal where you can find a huge variety of food and drinks.
Maastricht: This city is striking with its architecture and historical vibe. You can stroll through the city center and visit the fortress or the basilica.
Haarlem: Another beautiful historical city. It’s a smaller, less crowded city. You can visit some museums or the lively market square.
Leiden: It is one of the oldest cities, a beautiful city with canals, a mill and a magical old town. It’s a smaller version of Amsterdam. It’s more peaceful but really stunning. There’s also the oldest university located.
Must see attractions and unique experiences
Keukenhof: It’s a flower garden famous for its tulips. As one of the biggest flower gardens it displays a huge variety of flowers, especially tulips. Walking there you might have a feeling you entered paradise. It’s located close to Amsterdam and it’s open during spring. It’s an experience you can’t miss.
Zaandam: A little city located close to Amsterdam is best known for its very unique architecture. It’s a great place for some nice photos.
Zaanse Schans: It’s a small historical village with many windmills and canals. It’s a great place to go for a canal cruise.
Efteling: A well known Dutch attraction park. It’s the Disneyland of the Netherlands. You can go on many carousel rides and rollercoasters in this fairytale land.
Veluwezoom National Park: The most beautiful national park of the Netherlands. If you get lucky you can see wild boars or deers. It’s a stunning place especially in the spring when the flowers are blooming.
Ameland Island: This is a Frisian island where you can see seals on the beaches. It’s a really special experience.
Giethoorn: This little town is the best to be enjoyed from the canals. You can go for a canal tour and enjoy the view of gardens, local architecture and canals. The best time to visit is in the spring when you can float under the blooming trees.
Food and drinks
Stroopwafels: This sweet treat consists of two waffles connected with a thin layer of caramel. You can find ones dipped in chocolate with different toppings.
Haring: A raw fish (Herring) is the national Dutch speciality. It’s also served with onions as a topping.
Bitterballen: Fried meatballs that have a unique consistency.
Oliebollen: This is a fried dessert similar to a doughnut. You can eat it with sugar or other toppings. You can buy it at street vendors on fairs or celebrations.
Frikandel: Another national meal. This is a sausage made of minced meat served with mayo or ketchup and onions.
Etiquette and customs
Directness: Dutch people are very direct and honest people. If they don’t like something they will let you know. Don’t be offended, that’s how they are.
Punctuality: Being on time is very appreciated in the Netherlands. Appointments are set and followed, don’t ever show up without an appointment.
Closed society: Despite how multicultural and open the country is, the Dutch people are often quite racist and like to spend time in small circles. It can be difficult to find Dutch friends. They are also not very welcoming, as the dinner hits, there’s only place for the family members. Don’t show up without an agreement. The country is also ruled by Tikkie culture, splitting the bill on every single occasion.
Cashless society: Almost nobody uses cash in the Netherlands and everywhere you go and need to pay, you can do so by a card. Some places won’t even allow you to pay with cash.
Safety tips
Pickpockets: As it is one of the main tourist destinations, it’s very overcrowded. Therefore it’s a heaven for pickpockets. Take care of your personal items.
Drugs: Besides someones that are legal, like marijuana, there are also some illegal drugs in circulation. Take care what and where you buy. Always shop in licensed shops where they can explain everything to you. Girls should be careful at parties to not get something in their drinks.
Cycling safety: Always follow the bike lanes and signal when turning. Look out for other cyclists or walkers that might be on the path. Sometimes there are also scooters on the bike lanes. In general wearing helmets is not mandatory but if you don’t feel secure you better do so.
Weather: The weather in the Netherlands is very unpredictable. Be prepared for everything and bring warmer clothes and especially an umbrella.
The Netherlands offers something for everyone. Doesn’t matter where you come from, what are your likes and hobbies you can for sure find here something that interests you. So what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to the Netherlands.